Poundbury could be getting its own arm of the Women's Institute.

The 75-year-old organisation is looking to branch out and cater for women living on the development.

Jo Humphreys from Cerne Abbas, who advises new groups on how to start up, says many villages have WI branches and Poundbury seems ready for one.

She said: "The place is really developing. They're trying to keep it as a village so they could really do with a WI branch."

Mrs Humphreys, 52, who has been a member of the WI for 30 years, says the WI is a much more modern organisation than people tend to think.

She said: "People think that our rules are set in stone, but they're not - it's much more flexible than it used to be and it really isn't just about jam and Jerusalem, in fact I don't know of a branch that still sings Jerusalem.

"We're aimed now at younger people as well - in Poundbury I know that there are quite a few younger mothers and a WI group can act as a good support network for those with young children because they can meet other young mothers."

Mrs Humphreys dismissed suggestions that the organisation was a solely middle class affair, saying that groups are drawn from all sections of societies. She said: "We're looking for people from across the board - groups work far better if you get people from all walks of life.

"We've been leafleting all the houses in the area trying to get everyone involved and get away from the middle class image."

A meeting for those interested in what the Women's Institute has to offer is being held at the Brownsword Hall on Tuesday, October 26, from 7.30pm. Mrs Humphreys says the way the group develops will be up to its members, but could include rock climbing classes, jam-making, sailing, keep fit or a debating society.

She said: "We have a lot to offer these days - we even have our own adult education college in Oxfordshire."

For more information about the Women's Institute call Jo Humphreys on 01300 342110 or Wendy Chalu on 01308 423711.